The music video for “Habit,” a smash hit by SEKAI NO OWARI with over 2.4 billion TikTok plays and more than 100 million YouTube views in five months, was graded using DaVinci Resolve Studio. The song encourages young people to break free from self-imposed categories and live life on their own terms.
Color Grading Process
The video’s grading process involved a blend of both film-like and modern digital aesthetics. Hajime Kato, a colorist from Tokyo’s is’ eye inc., worked alongside cinematographer Koretaka Kamiike to achieve the desired look. Initially aiming for a cinematic feel with added grains, the team shifted towards a more contemporary look without grain at the director's request.
Kato adjusted the grading based on the emotional tone of each scene, using DaVinci Resolve Studio’s node-based system and magic mask tool to fine-tune colors. For introverted scenes, he darkened the visuals while maintaining shadow detail and adding a blue tint in midtones to highlight specific areas.
Challenges and Solutions
A significant challenge arose during the classroom scene due to lighting issues within the frame. Kamiike relied on DaVinci Resolve’s Power Windows feature to enhance and refine the footage post-production, ensuring the final product met their vision despite less-than-ideal shooting conditions.
The music video’s popularity led YouTuber HIKAKIN to create a collaboration that closely matched the original look. Despite being shot with different equipment in another location, Kato successfully replicated the aesthetic using DaVinci Resolve.
Tools and Workflow
Kamiike used Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist 7” 12G HDR monitor and recorder on set for its compact size, fast playback response, intuitive operation, and versatile recording options. The device allows assistants to operate it easily, providing flexibility during shooting.
Both Kato and Kamiike praised DaVinci Resolve Studio’s ability to refine their work. “DaVinci Resolve is a life saver when you need help,” Kamiike noted, emphasizing the software’s continuous feature updates that inspire better creative outcomes.
Kato added, “It allows me to control colors exactly as I envision them.” This sentiment reflects the software’s effectiveness in achieving the desired visual tone for the “Habit” music video, contributing significantly to its widespread appeal on social media platforms.